Published: February
28, 2018Ice
lines beach as Burnham-On-Sea area is braced for snow tomorrow

A
severe weather warning for heavy snow has been upgraded for the
Burnham-On-Sea area this Thursday and Friday as the so-called 'Beast
from the East' continues to make its impact felt.

These
are the scenes on Burnham-On-Sea beach today (Wednesday) as a long
line of ice and slush has been left along the high tide line amid
freezing temperatures that sunk to -5C early this morning.

The
Met Office has raised its weather warning to amber for heavy snow
and ice between 2pm on Thursday 1st March and 8am on Friday for
the whole of the Burnham-On-Sea area. A separate yellow warning
is also in force for wind and snow from 9am on Thursday.

A Met
Office spokesman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "There is the potential
for a spell of snow, moving northwards on Thursday, to intensify
and become heavy on Thursday afternoon/evening as it spreads north."

"As
it does so, some places could also see significant ice build up
overnight into Friday. This is likely to be accompanied by strengthening
easterly winds."

Pictured:
Burnham-On-Sea's lighthouse surrounded by snow last night

These
photos show the scenes in Burnham-On-Sea last night (Tuesday) after
the town saw light snowfall which provided a wintry coating to the
beach and pavements.

Pictured:
Icy pavements in Burnham-On-Sea's Stoddens Road last night

There
are only light snow flurries expected in Burnham-On-Sea today (Wednesday),
but snow is forecast on Thursday from 1pm through until Friday morning
which is expected to lead to some accumulations.

Pictured:
College Street in Burnham-On-Sea town centre last night

BBC
Points West weather forecaster Ian Fergusson said that there is
also a chance that the Burnham-On-Sea area will see freezing rain
on Thursday and Friday, creating slippery road and pavement conditions,
however he cautioned that the forecast could still change.

The
cold weather has been sparked by an area of high pressure moving
north into Scandinavia, drawing cold air in from Russia and the
east.

Pictured:
The sea at Brean has frozen over, leaving a line of ice this week

Public
Health England said it is "critical" to keep an eye on
anyone over 65, young children or people with heart or lung conditions.

James
Mapstone, Deputy Regional Director for Public Health England's South
region, said: "We are expecting some bitter weather over the
weekend and early next week which may come as a bit of a shock for
some after the more recent mild weather."

Pictured:
Frozen plants in Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove today

The
meteorological start of spring is Thursday 1st March - and the date
falls right in the middle of the current cold spell.

Mr
Mapstone added: "We urge people to remember to check weather
forecasts and plan their day carefully around the weather. Take
extra care if outside to prevent any accidental slips from icy or
snowy pavements. Clear paths outside your house if possible."

Pictured:
Visitors to Highbridge's Apex Park during the fall of snow

Mr
Mapstone added: "When indoors it is critical that people stay
warm, particularly if 65 or over, have long term health conditions
or are young children. Wear lots of thin layers, eat regular warm
and well-balanced meals, and remember that moving about will help
keep you warm."

"Staying
warm by heating your home to at least 18C can be crucial to stay
well."